KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s legal team has called on the Malaysian government to pursue the extradition of former Goldman Sachs partner Tim Leissner with “genuine resolve”, emphasising the need for full transparency in the process.
In a statement today, Shafee & Co urged the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Government to publish a complete chronology of every step taken in the extradition proceedings.
“We therefore urge the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Government of Malaysia to pursue Mr. Leissner’s extradition with genuine resolve and to publish a complete chronology of every step they are taking,” the firm stated.
The legal team also stressed that transparency from both Putrajaya and Washington is crucial to dispel any public doubt and to ensure that justice is administered impartially, rather than according to political convenience.
“Full transparency from both Putrajaya and Washington is vital to dispel public doubt and to prove that justice is being administered impartially, not according to political convenience,” they added.
In their statement, Najib’s legal team expressed concern over the lack of transparency regarding the extradition request, particularly as the Malaysian authorities “failed” to inform the court or the public about the request until after Najib’s defence had concluded in his ongoing trial.
The firm argued that the prolonged silence deprived the defence of crucial information that could have been used to exonerate Najib.
Yesterday, it was reported that Leissner is being pursued by Malaysian authorities for extradition due to his involvement in the 1MDB scandal, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The WSJ reported that Malaysian authorities submitted an extradition request to the US Justice Department in August 2024, and Interpol issued a red notice for the former Goldman Sachs partner in November 2024.
Leissner had pleaded guilty in 2018 to conspiring to launder money and bribing officials, admitting that he and his family received substantial kickbacks.
He is currently awaiting sentencing in the US, scheduled for May 29.
The report also noted that Malaysian authorities are concerned that Leissner might flee to his birthplace, Germany, potentially creating complications for extradition.
The WSJ further noted that Malaysia continues to investigate the case with assistance from Leissner’s former deputy, Roger Ng, who returned to Malaysia after his conviction in the US.
As part of their legal efforts, Najib’s team has sought to uncover more details surrounding Leissner’s role in the 1MDB scandal, including the identities of officials whom Leissner admitted to bribing. – May 8, 2025